GREENFINGERED youngsters from Westbrook Old Hall Primary school rolled up their sleeves, grabbed spades and pitched in to plant trees at Warrington’s Bewsey Old Hall park.

Pupils wrapped up warm before heading out to the park to learn about the importance of planting trees.

National land management charity the Land Trust, which owns the site and has a head office in Birchwood, set up the tree planting exercise as part of a series of ongoing park activities.

After the pupils were given an informative talk about trees, the pupils planted alder, oak and poplar varieties into the ground.

This was to support the youngsters' work on habitats, which they have been studying in the classroom.

As well as helping to improve the site for public, the initiative was also organised to demonstrate to the pupils the benefits of tree planting.

Studies have found that trees can reduce pollution, improve health, increase social wellbeing, reduce heating cost and improve a child’s development.

Mary Doyle, landscape and community officer for the Land Trust, said: “It was great to get the schoolchildren out onto one of our sites, helping support the curriculum in the process.

“They were a real credit to themselves with the passion and enthusiasm they showed to get stuck in and take part in the planting. We look forward to watching the trees blossom.”

Teacher Clare James added: “They absolutely loved being outdoors and learning about the benefits of trees on the environment. On behalf of the school, we were proud to be able to contribute to this lovely park.”

To find out more about the Land Trust and forthcoming activities visit thelandtrust.org.uk or call Mary on 01925 852005.